Service Arrangements
If you wish to arrange a service, the following notes may be of help
to you.
You can, if you wish, arrange for a minister to take the service for
you. There is usually a fee payable to the minister and you will need
to settle this independently. If you have a service in a church before
hand then the Crematorium service is called a 'committal'. The minister
then conducts only a very short committal service in the Crematorium Chapel.
Otherwise, we refer to the service held in the Crematorium Chapel as a
'full service'. The format this service takes is entirely of your choice
and will usually take up to 25 minutes.
If you wish, you can deliver the service yourself or through a family
member or friend, the choice is yours. If you would like someone to conduct
the service for you the Crematorium has a list of contact numbers for
most denominations, both religious and secular.
For cremation, if no service is required, we will book a 'service' time
for the coffin to be taken through the Chapel and onto the catafalque.
Coffins are only received through the chapel.
The coffin may be transfered to the catafalque by means of a wheeled
bier which we will provide. Alternatively, it may be carried into the
Chapel and placed on the catafalque. If you wish the coffin to be carried
you will need to provide the bearers.
For a burial service the coffin will remain, or be placed, on the bier
which will stand at the front of the chapel. After the service the coffin
will either be carried or wheeled through the chapel exit to be conveyed
to the graveside.
Music
Our organist is available for every service. The organist will do his/her
best to play your selection of music. You may be asked to provide the
sheet music for a particular piece and we would also ask you to inform
us of your choice of music at least 24 hours before the service. You may
if you wish, provide your own organist. This will not incur any additional
charge. The organ is complex and expensive and we prefer experienced organists
only to play.
Alternatively, a tape, record or CD may be played in the Chapel. If you
choose to do this please let us have these 24 in advance so the Chapel
Attendant is able to check everything is in order prior to the service.
Service Books
We provide service books (170) which contain four sections. These provide
liturgical, modern and traditional Church of England and Catholic services.
A similar number of New Standard Ancient and Modern hymnals is also available.
You may provide your own books or printed leaflets if you prefer. Service
times and the provision for distribution and collection should be considered
in these circumstances.
The Committal
The coffin rests on the catafalque during the cremation service. The
committal usually takes place towards the end of the service. The Chapel
Attendant sits at the back of the Chapel and will press a button drawing
the veil and curtains, screening the coffin. This part of the service
was introduced to symbolise the lowering of the coffin into the grave.
This is not an essential requirement and if you prefer the veil and the
curtains may remain open. The mourners can then leave the Chapel with
the coffin clearly in view. When the last mourner has left the Chapel
our staff will then draw the curtains and remove the coffin for cremation.
Preview
It may help you to inspect the Chapel prior to any service you wish to
arrange. Staff are available to advise and help you make the most of our
facilities. It is advisable to telephone first to make an appointment
for a mutually convenient time.
Floral Tributes
There is a floral tribute area close to the exit of the of the Chapel.
A plaque bearing the deceased's name will be attatched to the wall on
the day of the funeral and any floral tributes may be placed under this
plaque. Flowers are left there for several days and there is a notice
on site explaining exactly when tributes will be removed.
|
